This is Susan Boyle in 1999, singing "Cry me a river", years before she made her appearance at BGT, sending shockwave across the nation and the world.
I heard Andrew Johnston sing last year and he was a nice little surprise. Being young and innocent, Andrew captured the imagination and sympathy of the audience from the get go. I'd imagine that old, unattractive Susan surely didn't. From the indifference and scowls of the general audience, they didn't much care for her wanting to be like "Elaine Page"- perhaps even feeling a little contempt for her.
"its a big song' says either Piers or Simon as she prepared for her number. I totally agree with the judges. Indeed Les Miserables is an iconic musical and "I dream a dream" is a pivotal song sung by Fantine, a role exclusively reserved for musical heavyweights with the likes Ruthie Henshall and Lea Salonga!
Then she sings her first note!
Amanda, Piers and even Simon is floored. Me, gapping and soon reduced to tears! (By george, she sings better than Elaine Page. Susan could very well star in CATS! Imagine her in a cat suit!!) The once cynical audience is in uproar, frantically clapping and upstanding as they cheer her on with every almost perfectly executed notes. One could easily forgive her for those obvious little strains and quiver in parts. After all, she's living her life long dream of singing in front of the masses! I find it difficult to gel THAT voice and THAT look - her rich and pristine voice is such a dichotomy with her apparent old-fashionedness.
She sings verse by verse and chorus. Next comes that infamous long held note, just before the transposition. Just like that gripping and heart-tugging longheld note sung by the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. Oh, makes you feel his sadness. You weep with him! I know of how infamous notes like these has claimed the dignity of many musical greats, stripping down even the most fearless of singers!
Amanda and I pause, breaths held as Susan progresses to this point. She nails it, effortlessly! I shake my head in half-disbelief!! She gives a stunning performance. I am thinking she would make a perfect Fantine, if she were more 'attractive'.....yes?
Piers gives a sincere and apologetic appraisal. Simon was cheeky but you know he was hooked both, line and sinker! Amanda, sweet as always, summed it well for the both of us. Thanking Susan for the privilege of hearing her sing.
My sentiments exactly. To 'be' in the presence of a being with such a God-given gift is truly a privilege.
Here's her performing in BGT09.
I heard Andrew Johnston sing last year and he was a nice little surprise. Being young and innocent, Andrew captured the imagination and sympathy of the audience from the get go. I'd imagine that old, unattractive Susan surely didn't. From the indifference and scowls of the general audience, they didn't much care for her wanting to be like "Elaine Page"- perhaps even feeling a little contempt for her.
"its a big song' says either Piers or Simon as she prepared for her number. I totally agree with the judges. Indeed Les Miserables is an iconic musical and "I dream a dream" is a pivotal song sung by Fantine, a role exclusively reserved for musical heavyweights with the likes Ruthie Henshall and Lea Salonga!
Then she sings her first note!
Amanda, Piers and even Simon is floored. Me, gapping and soon reduced to tears! (By george, she sings better than Elaine Page. Susan could very well star in CATS! Imagine her in a cat suit!!) The once cynical audience is in uproar, frantically clapping and upstanding as they cheer her on with every almost perfectly executed notes. One could easily forgive her for those obvious little strains and quiver in parts. After all, she's living her life long dream of singing in front of the masses! I find it difficult to gel THAT voice and THAT look - her rich and pristine voice is such a dichotomy with her apparent old-fashionedness.
She sings verse by verse and chorus. Next comes that infamous long held note, just before the transposition. Just like that gripping and heart-tugging longheld note sung by the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. Oh, makes you feel his sadness. You weep with him! I know of how infamous notes like these has claimed the dignity of many musical greats, stripping down even the most fearless of singers!
Amanda and I pause, breaths held as Susan progresses to this point. She nails it, effortlessly! I shake my head in half-disbelief!! She gives a stunning performance. I am thinking she would make a perfect Fantine, if she were more 'attractive'.....yes?
Piers gives a sincere and apologetic appraisal. Simon was cheeky but you know he was hooked both, line and sinker! Amanda, sweet as always, summed it well for the both of us. Thanking Susan for the privilege of hearing her sing.
My sentiments exactly. To 'be' in the presence of a being with such a God-given gift is truly a privilege.
Here's her performing in BGT09.
